Government Gears up for Western Sydney Airport

Media Release

WT131/2014

07 August 2014

The Australian Government has appointed Ernst & Young to provide Business Adviser services for the Western Sydney Airport Project.

Under the contract, Ernst & Young will bring together several firms that include LEK, GHD and Landrum and Brown to harness specialist aviation, design and commercial expertise to support the government on the airport development.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said Ernst & Young will join already appointed legal advisers Clayton Utz and the Australian Government Solicitor working on the project.

“Ernst & Young's role as the Business Adviser will be integral to the work of the government's Western Sydney Unit,” Mr Truss said.

“They will help to build the business case and develop the airport design concepts for the Western Sydney's airport infrastructure. The project is about developing the infrastructure for the 21st century and creating new economic opportunities for the region.

“To ensure timely delivery of this critical national infrastructure project, Ernst & Young will establish and operate a Project Management Office within the Department's Western Sydney Unit.

“These advisers will bring their commercial and financing expertise to assist the Commonwealth in achieving the best outcomes for Western Sydney.”

Mr Truss added that the work to be undertaken will include the development of a business case for a Western Sydney Airport, patronage forecasting, airport operation and design concepts, examination of funding and financing models, market sounding, and airport costing and valuations.

The Australian Government is already delivering on its plan to build a stronger and more prosperous Western Sydney by investing more than $3 billion over 10 years in major infrastructure upgrades that will revitalise the West and be a key driver for the NSW and national economies.